Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
189. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports that are available to persons suffering from dyslexia who are returning to adult education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8340/17]
View answerWithin the further education and training sector, a broad range of supports are provided through the Education and Training Boards to support the participation of learners with a disability, including learners with dyslexia. As well as general adult literacy support, specific supports provided for person suffering from dyslexia can include:-
- Access to tutors with specific expertise in the area of dyslexia
- additional 1:1 tutor support, where necessary
- Adaptive technologies such as screen reading software
- Provision of a reader or interpreter service
- Provision of a reader or scribe or extra time during examinations
- Provision of preferred learning-style identification and 'learning to learn' programmes that have particular emphasis on memory and organisational skills
SOLAS supports the Dyslexia Association of Ireland by providing information, offering appropriate support services, engaging in advocacy and raising awareness of dyslexia. In 2016 grants provided by SOLAS to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland were utilised towards the provision of subsidised educational psychological assessments, the provision of an information service and outreach programme on adult dyslexia and towards the development of an information leaflet and poster campaign to raise awareness of adult dyslexia and the supports that are available.
